Chablis Premier Cru

Chablis Premier Cru wines are stylish, minerally wines which typically are less intense than the Grand Crus but finer and longer-lasting than basic Chablis. They are highly underrated with the better examples outclassing many a good village white Burgundy.

The vineyards cover 750ha scattered across 15 communes on isolated slopes with good exposure. There are 17 principal Premier Crus but in total 79 vineyards are eligible, with most of the lesser known ones using a better-known umbrella name on their label. The best flank the Grand Crus on the north bank of the River Serein, like Montée de Tonnerre (probably the best of all), Fourchaume and Mont de Milieu.

Those just south of Chablis, like Vaillons, Montmains (especially Les Forêts) and Côte de Lechet are also good. With the vineyard area having doubled since the 1970s quality varies enormously though so, as ever, the producer is key. 

Styles also vary, with some maturing and fermenting in stainless steel for a purer, more minerally style, while others age and sometimes even ferment their wines in oak for extra complexity.  The best examples reach their apogee at 8-10 years but are normally enjoyed long before then.

Recommended Producers: Jean-Claude Bessin, Billaud-Simon, Séguinot-Bordet, J.-P. & Benoit Droin, Duplessis, Defaix